Brunei's Independence
Brunei achieved its independence on 1 January 1984.
Although he had abdicated, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien continued to play an important role as a mentor to his son. He was elected as the first Minister of Defence of Brunei and consequently conferred the rank of Field Marshal General in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. His Highness attended the first Celebration of Independence Day of Brunei Darussalam on 23 February 1984.
His Highness welcomed the arrival of Yasser Arafat, the Chairman of Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) on his official visit to Brunei on 26 July 1984.
As Defence minister, He attended the official opening ceremony of the Reconnaissance Armoured Vehicle Squadron of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces on 30 July 1984. He also attended the opening ceremony of the International Literary Festival IV on December 9, 1985.
Read more about this topic: Omar Ali Saifuddien III
Famous quotes containing the word independence:
“Children are as destined biologically to break away as we are, emotionally, to hold on and protect. But thinking independently comes of acting independently. It begins with a two-year-old doggedly pulling on flannel pajamas during a July heat wave and with parents accepting that the impulse is a good one. When we let go of these small tasks without anger or sorrow but with pleasure and pride we give each act of independence our blessing.”
—Cathy Rindner Tempelsman (20th century)